NAFSA Urges Indian Country To Turn Out for November Elections -- WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

NAFSA Urges Indian Country To Turn Out for November Elections
Native American Vote Stressed as Critical for Upcoming Election

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) today reiterated its strong encouragement that all eligible Native Americans participate in the American electoral process this November. Bipartisan political analysts continue to emphasize that Native American voters in key battleground states – including Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, and Wisconsin – quite likely hold the power to sway the election.

"The power that the 562 federally recognized tribes across America hold is enormous," Barry Brandon, Executive Director of NAFSA, said. "The effective mobilization of this constituency will produce the largest Native American vote in American history – making clear the loud and unified voice that our elected officials ignore at their peril."

Leading up to Election Day, NAFSA member tribes will encourage and assist their members – along with tribes across the nation – to be involved and informed, shedding light on the issues that have an impact on Native Americans in their area and around the nation.

Native Americans were first allowed to vote in federal elections after the Indian Citizenship Act became law in 1924. With voter registration deadlines approaching for states across America, NAFSA understands the power of this strong grassroots movement. In recent years, the Native American vote has been widely acknowledged as making a difference in national, state, and local elections – and it is ever-more important as the two presidential candidates confront statistical dead heats in many swing states.

Native Americans who would like to vote but have yet to register can complete the National Mail Voter Registration Form by clicking here.

About NAFSAThe Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) formed in 2012 to advocate for Native American sovereign rights and enable tribes to offer responsible online lending products. Through the protection of consumer rights and sovereign immunity, NAFSA provides vital services to tribally operated lenders serving the under-banked with better short term financial services, furthering economic development opportunities in Indian Country.